81-1 Potato Production Systems In Maine: Geospatial Assessments of Agri-Environmental Indicators.



Monday, October 17, 2011: 1:00 PM
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Room 006D, River Level

Sherri L. DeFauw1, Patrick J. English2, Robert P. Larkin1, John M. Halloran1 and Aaron K. Hoshide3, (1)USDA, ARS, NAA, New England Plant, Soil and Water Laboratory, Orono, ME
(2)Mississippi State University, Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS
(3)School of Economics, 206 Winslow Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME
The sustainability of Maine potato production systems has been a major concern for at least the past 35 years following release of a detailed soil loss investigation conducted in Aroostook County that indicated close to 80% of the most intensively farmed fields were shedding soil at rates of 6.7-190.5 Mg ha-1 annually. Geospatial frameworks help resolve patterns and trends in production environments (at multiple scales) that may, in turn, facilitate the wider adoption of adaptive management strategies which enhance yield, increase whole-farm profitability, and foster sustainable land use. The objectives of this GIS-based investigation were to: (1) interrelate and quantify potato production areas with statewide classes of farmland soils and erodibility (using USDA, NASS, 2008-2010 Cropland Data Layers (CDLs) and USDA, NRCS, Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database); (2) examine rotational patterns based on three years of CDL classified imagery; and (3) evaluate potential economic impacts of select alternate cropping systems identified in potato production fields. Results from geospatial integration of remotely-sensed cropland (2008-2010) and soil datasets for Maine indicate an estimated 61,900 ha in potato production with 62% and 27% on prime farmland (PF) and farmland of statewide importance (FSI), respectively. Zonal geoprocessing of farmland rasters with erodibility rasters indicated that close to 85% of potato production soils are classified as either “potentially highly erodible” (PHEL) or “highly erodible” (HEL); therefore, at least 52,300 ha require the highest standards in soil conservation practices. Across all three years, over 1,800 ha were identified in “continuous potato” where improving crop-soil-water-pest management practices and monitoring resistance issues are most crucial. Potatoes in a two-yr rotation amounted to 11,900 ha. Additional outcomes suggest farmers have diversified their operations and appear to be shifting to rotations of 3 or more years. Disease-suppressive benefits and economic impacts for select alternate crops are discussed.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Global Agronomy
See more from this Session: Challenges and Opportunities In Sustainable Agriculture: Global Case Studies of Potato Production